COVID-19 Resources & Recovery

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Overview

Many Harris County residents need help and advice dealing with COVID-19. Our local, state, and federal partners have programs in place to provide assistance with basic needs including housing, food, and healthcare. This is only a partial list of what may be available.

The best way to start any search for help is by dialing 2-1-1 or by searching their online database at 211texas.org. The experts there can help link you to the programs that meet your needs and answer questions about resources available.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides supplements to unemployment insurance as well as direct payments to families. Details of some of these programs are not yet available and updates will be provided as soon as possible. Other benefits under the CARES Act are paid out through existing state programs such as SNAP and WIC.

Resource lists are updated as needed.

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Help for Families

Eviction Intervention Assistance

The City of Houston and Harris County are working together to provide an additional $13 million in eviction intervention assistance to families that are in active eviction, due to unpaid rent resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are in active eviction, visit HoustonHarrisHelp.org/eviction-intervention/ to apply

The general Emergency Rental Assistance Program is no longer accepting applications. 

American Red Cross Virtual Family Assistance Center

Click here or call 833-492-0094 for resources to help deal with the loss of a loved one from COVID-19.

Behavioral Health Resources

COVID-19 Behavioral Health Line: (833) 251-7544

New three-digit number to the Suicide Prevention information: 9-8-8

Childcare

For information on childcare options in Houston and the Gulf Coast region, please visit www.findchildcarenow.org.

Legal Assistance

Contact Lone Star Legal Aid at (713) 652-0077 or Houston Volunteer Lawyers at (713) 228-0735 for free legal information and advice on the following topics. You may also qualify for free representation. Houston Volunteer Lawyers is able to represent you regardless of your immigration status.

Foreclosures
If you have missed house or car payments, lawyers can provide legal advice and assistance to avoid foreclosure.

Wills and End of Life Planning
Wills and legal documents make it easier to take care of property details following a death. Contact Lone Star Legal Aid or Houston Volunteer Lawyers using the numbers above for help with this preparation. You may be eligible for a free will or end of life planning documents.

Bankruptcy or Debt Relief
If you have substantial credit card or other debt, lawyers may be able to help protect you from bill collectors, negotiate with creditors, and assess your eligibility for bankruptcy.

Guardianship
Court Ordered Guardianship can help you obtain rights to care and make decisions for an adult who does not have the capacity to care for themselves.

Visit the State Bar of Texas Referral Directory for other legal service providers in Houston.

Mortgage and Rental Assistance

Houston-Harris County Rental Assistance Program

The City of Houston and Harris County is providing $159 million in rent and utilities assistance to families who are at risk of losing their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Any renter living in Houston or Harris County can apply if they have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; are experiencing housing instability; and have a household income at or below 80% of the HUD Area Median Family Income. Renters will apply through one website: HoustonHarrisHelp.org, starting February 25. Landlords may enroll in the program any time starting February 18. Eligibility information is available on the website HoustonHarrisHelp.org.


Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid developed the tools and information below to help homeowners trying to navigate the options available if they fall behind on a mortgage loan due to a COVID-19 related hardship. It is primarily designed for low-income Texas homeowners with an institutional loan (i.e. not owner-financed, wraparound, etc.):


Food Resources

Apply for SNAP Food Benefits: https://yourtexasbenefits.hhsc.texas.gov/programs/snap or call 2-1-1, option 2 

Funeral Assistance

Information on Funeral assistance click here

Healthcare and COVID-19 Testing

Harris County is partnering with the Federal government to provide COVID-19 testing to those experiencing symptoms or who may have been exposed to the virus. If this applies to you, please begin the process using the COVID-19: Self-Assessment Tool / (832) 927-7575 (technical access needs).

Helping Others – Volunteering

Volunteer Houston has activated their Virtual Volunteer Reception Center to help connect those with a giving spirit with agencies in need of volunteers during COVID-19.

Price Gouging and Scams

Report Local Price Gouging: cao.harriscountytx.gov

Report Price Gouging and Scams: Texas Attorney General, (800) 621-0508

Student Loan Assistance

Suicide Prevention

If you are having thoughts of suicide, talk to someone who cares. Dial the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255 (TALK)

Unemployment

Utility Assistance

For financial assistance with utilities, please contact 2-1-1 or go to 211texas.org for available resources in your area.